RUNGE – A Runge woman died and four others were severely injured in a crash that happened at about 1:20 p.m. on Monday, July 29, at a location about 1.5 miles southwest of Runge on State Highway 72.

According to information from DPS Trooper Scott Jendrzey who investigated the crash, a one-ton dually pickup was parked on the westbound improved shoulder of the highway. The driver of the pickup, a welder named Darrell Young, 56, whose address shows a post office box in Kenedy, was parked to make a phone call.

Francisco Dominguez, 63, of Runge was driving a green Toyota Avalon in the westbound lane of the highway when for unexplained reasons the car crossed the solid white fogline and the front right of the car collided with the back left of the pickup.

“The driver doesn't really remember what happened,” Jendrzey said.

Dominguez' wife, Aurora Dominguez, 55, also from Runge, was in the passenger seat of the car and died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

In the back seat of the car were three children. A 10-year-old girl, an eight-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, all with the last name Ramirez.

All three children and Francisco Dominguez were airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio by helicopter for treatment for their injuries which included broken bones.

Trooper Jendrzey estimated the speed of the car at impact was about 65 miles per hour.

“There were no brake marks, he just drove into the back of them,” Jendrzey said. “They just left Runge, there is no way he would have fallen asleep.”

Young, who was driving the pickup, only suffered a cut on his forehead as a result of the collision.

All six people involved in the accident were wearing their seat-belts at the time of the crash, Jendrzey said.

My heart and prayers go out to all the Amaya and Dominguez family. I am very sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength to keep going on without your loved one. She is now another Angel in Heaven. God Bless!